Bluebird Care, an Exeter and East Devon based home care agency have awarded a grant of £500 to the Soundwaves Music Project to enable them to purchase new musical instruments so they can continue providing music activities and help unlock the creative potential for adults with and without learning difficulties.

Bluebird Care opened in Exeter in 2011 and has, ever since, been working hard to support other organisations across Exeter as well as providing a daily care service to local people.

The home care agency awarded the Community Grant to the Music Project after receiving numerous applications for their £500 Grant from voluntary organisations and community projects across Exeter and East Devon.

William Flint, Director of Bluebird Care Exeter & East Devon said:

“As well as providing care & companionship services to people living in their own homes, Bluebird Care Exeter and East Devon is passionate about supporting community projects and initiatives.

So many neighbourhoods thrive because of volunteers who work tirelessly to run community groups, host events and provide services that benefit others.

It is for these reasons that we felt the Soundwaves Music Project deserved to win our Quarter 4 Community Grant. The Music Project provides a place for people to get together, have fun, form friendships but importantly raises awareness to a wider community of what differently abled people can achieve”

The Soundwaves Music Project was chosen by the staff at Bluebird Care from a shortlist of other applications and the cheque for £500 was presented on behalf of Bluebird Care by William Flint on Tuesday 17th November during one of the music groups.

The charity intends to use the grant to buy and replace musical instruments. Adrian Bull, Chief Officer for the Music Project said:

“I am delighted that Soundwaves has been chosen for this community grant… it is great news and we are over the moon as some of our instruments have been played to within an inch of their lives and are only just holding on! As a small charity, £500 makes quite an impact”

Soundwaves has been working with differently abled people in and around Exeter for just over 10 years and have written songs and music and performed at various events in the City including performing at the Christmas light switch on and leading the opening ceremony for the Exeter Respect Festival.

Bluebird Care recognised that the activities Soundwaves offers, not only helps its members but also their carers and family members, who benefit from the respite they get as well as extending their own social networks.

William Flint commented after presenting the cheque:

“It is great to see what a fully inclusive group Soundwaves are. All members were supported to take part in all activities going on as well as having their own time to shine and having their moment individually in the spotlight”

Soundwaves currently runs two groups in Exeter, one on a Saturday for up to 35 members including staff, support workers and enablers and one on a Tuesday for up to 9 members, specially designed for those who are unable to cope with a busy noisy environment. For further information about Soundwaves Music Project, please visit: www.facebook.com/soundwavesmusicproject